Four
Dariusglanced at the bookstore entrance as he made his way to the coffee room, where a table had been set for tea.
Nosign of the impudent MissWeldon yet.
Alending library was a good idea.
Butwas establishing it in his new bookstore ideal?
Alreadyseated, Cassius hooked an ankle over his knee as he helped himself to a Shrewsbury tart.
“You could’ve said no, Dare.”
Athread of censure deepened Cassius’s voice. Of course, he knew what Darius was thinking. It had always been thus with them.
“You don’t believe a lending library benefits the community?” Cassius asked.
“Of course I do.” His left knee cocked, Darius rested one hand on his hip and the other on the back of a chair. “I’m simply unsure this is the right time or location. How will we prevent customers from waltzing out of the bookshop with new volumes?”
“Ahem.”
Asfetching as spring sunshine in a sky-blue gown and a straw bonnet with a matching blue ribbon tied beneath her chin, MissWeldon stood just inside the coffeehouse entrance. A rather bedraggled and worn leather satchel hung from one slender shoulder.
“I can answer that question, LordDarius.”
Howhad Darius not noticed her before? For the undeniable truth was that MissWeldon was imminently noticeable. In fact, she was quite unforgettable, with or without her deuced goose.
Hesearched near her feet.
ThankGod.
No bloody goose today.
Cassiussprang to his feet. “Do join us, MissWeldon.”
“Thank you.” She beamed at Cassius.
Darius’stwin tossed him a gloating glance.
Cassiuswas welcome to the chit. Lovely though she might be, MissAramintaWeldon was also impudent, brash, and had an odd notion of what constituted a pet.
Besides, Darius had his eyes on another prize with molasses-dark hair and eyes.
Except, now that he’d met MissWeldon and had taken to heart what Cassius had observed about Eudora, he no longer felt as convinced as he had yesterday about pursuing Eudora. At least not with the intensity he had before.
Therewas no need to rush things.
Hewould use his head and not his heart. Or was it merely his libido that had turned him into a beef-wit of late?
“Yes. Do.” Regardless, Cassius’s gallantry made Darius appear a churlish sod. “I would like to hear your solution, MissWeldon.”
Aftersettling gracefully onto the chair, MissWeldon slipped the satchel strap from her shoulder and withdrew a pair of well-used ledgers from their leather enclosure. She flipped the top book’s cover open, and Darius couldn’t help but notice her mended gloves were void of the beautiful embroidery adorning the one her pet goose had stolen yesterday and that had led to their calamitous meeting.
Afterresuming his seat, Cassius snatched another tart.
Dariusslid into a chair as well.
“Each book from the lending library shall be clearly marked inside the cover,” she said.
Dariushadn’t noticed the lyrical huskiness of her voice yesterday. Probably because he’d been distracted by his very public tumble, Mrs. Clarke’s seething disapproval, and MissWeldon’s wholly unexpected proposal.
Asmall rectangular bookplate affixed to the inside cover read WoodhavenLendingLibrary, Established 1828.
She’dmade the simple template herself, but Darius could not fault her system for identifying the library books.
MissWeldon tapped the page. “Each book is numbered as well, and I created a system to catalog authors and titles, keep track of borrowers, and when the book is due back.”
“Impressive, MissWeldon,” Cassius said with an approving smile.
Indeed, it was. This project meant a great deal to her, and for reasons Darius did not understand, he was reluctant to destroy her dream—even if it might inconvenience him.
Helifted the teapot. “Tea, or would you prefer coffee?”
Herextraordinary green eyes rounded.
“I’ve never tried coffee. MayI?” She gave a delicate sniff. “It smells divine.”
“Of course.” Darius poured three cups of coffee. He slid the cup and saucer toward her. “The flavor is quite bold by itself. I suggest you add milk and sugar.”
Shepeeled off her gloves and, after laying them aside, took a delicate sip.
Dariuscouldn’t help but notice the many red needle pricks dotting her fingertips.
“I see what you mean.” She added a generous portion of milk and three sugar lumps. After stirring thoroughly, she ventured another sip.
“That’s delicious.” A pleased smile arched her pretty mouth. “Robust yet smooth.”
Cassiusglanced at his pocket watch.
“Regretfully, I have an engagement. A potential portrait client.” He rose and straightened his coat. “I hope you can convince my brother to permit you a portion of the bookshop. No one should be deprived of the joy of reading.”
“I quite agree, my lord.” MissWeldon offered Cassius a pretty smile.
Hisbrother bowed and took his leave.
Nothinglike tossing Darius under the carriage.
Notonly would MissWeldon consider him an ogre for denying her request, but his denial wouldn’t endear him to the locals. He could not afford to alienate the townspeople, a fact she had likely counted on.
Hecouldn’t decide if he applauded her cunning or if her cleverness made him leery.
Thanksto the insidious seeds of doubt Cassius had successfully planted yesterday, Darius now mistrusted MissWeldon and Eudora. ExceptMissWeldon’s motivation was entirely anthropic and not self-serving. In truth, setting up the library would create even more work for the already overburdened vicar’s daughter.
Dariushadasked around that morning—subtly, of course. And not only had he learned a couple of unsettling tidbits about Eudora but also several things about MissWeldon.
Sinceher mother’s death five years ago, MissWeldon had been tasked with being her father’s hostess, housekeeper, mother and governess to her two younger sisters. She accepted commissions for her exemplary embroidery work. Not to mention chasing an ill-behaved, glove-stealing goose all over town.
Howdid she propose to find the time to run a lending library too?
Nonetheless, Darius had promised her the opportunity to persuade him, and he was a man of his word.
“Shall we continue discussing your proposal, MissWeldon?” Darius selected a ginger biscuit and then lifted the plate. “Would you care for one?”
“No, thank you.” Taking another sip of coffee, she closed her eyes. “Mmm, that is so good.”
Arush of profound desire flooded his senses at her innocent and unknowingly provocative response.
Hecrossed his legs lest his physical response become apparent.
Whatthe devil was wrong with him?
Hewas interested in Eudora.
Yes, but that was before I met Araminta.
STOP.
Dariushad a complicated enough life. By thunder, he would not muddle it further by acting like a fickle debutante who couldn’t decide which beau she preferred.
MissWeldon pointed to her list, the angry red pinpricks on her fingertips a stark contrast to the pale paper. “In addition to all the library books being labeled and kept in a separate, clearly marked section of the bookstore, the library would only operate during specific hours while I am here. I would suggest a prominently displayed sign clearly stating the library’s hours.”
“Go on,” he urged, enjoying the sound of her husky voice. It soothed him in an unexpected and inexplicable manner.
“We could cover the shelves and rope or block off the library section outside lending hours.” She paused, and a small furrow creased her forehead. “I am forgetting something.”
Herexpression cleared, and her green eyes sparkled.
Greenalways had been his favorite color.
“Oh, my father says I may come on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from one to four in the afternoon. He thinks a library and bookshop can only benefit the community.”
Dariusnodded. At least he wouldn’t have to deal with the lending portion.
Thatwas a relief.
Hisbudget didn’t permit additional hired help just yet—only PhilipSherman to prepare the food and operate the coffeehouse. In time, Darius hoped to hire a cook and servers for the coffeehouse and clerks for the bookstore too.
“What if someone wants to return a book when you aren’t here?” He blew on his coffee before venturing a taste. Strong and black. Just how he preferred it.
“I can leave a crate marked BookReturn behind the counter or just outside the library’s roped-off area.” She fished in the satchel for a minute, then withdrew a few sheets of foolscap. “I made a list of the books I currently loan out.”
Hereyes glittered with excitement.
Thisventure was important to her. He found her enthusiasm touching.
“I’ve operated the library out of the parish salon for over three years.”
She’dsubdued her riot of flaxen curls into a chignon, though he doubted she’d ever achieve the sleek perfection of Eudora’s glossy tresses. Oddly, he’d thought of Eudora much less since yesterday. MissWeldon, on the other hand, had consumed his thoughts.
Well, not her, but her proposed library, of course.
“How old are you?” he blurted
Hermouth went slack, and her eyes widened. “I beg your pardon?”
Thequery surprised him as much as it did her.
Hescrambled for a reason to have asked the rude question. “You possess a rare maturity for a young woman.”
Shearched a winged eyebrow. “Are you calling me old?”
“No.” He fervently shook his head.
MissWeldon laughed, and Darius’s heart flipped over.
Howcould it be that in a day, she’d wriggled her way into his life so much that he had allowed her a lending library in his bookstore, that he was reevaluating his interest in EudoraClarke, and he had experienced a more potent reactions to Araminta thanany woman he’d ever met?
“I’m teasing you, my lord.” Humor twinkled in her eyes and creased the corners of her mouth. “I am four and twenty.”
Notthat much older than Eudora but far more mature.
Todistract himself from her tempting mouth, Darius pulled the paper toward him and quickly perused the three pages written in tidy script. There were approximately two hundred books. It was not a vast library by any means, but given how expensive books were, it was an admirable collection.
Nodoubt his parents could add another hundred at least, and perhaps he and his family could spread the word that they sought books for a lending library.
Dariustapped his fingertips on the table.
Fromthe beginning, his goal had always been to make the emporium a welcoming place for everyone from lord to lad, pauper to prince, doctor to debutante, and widow to waif. He hadn’t considered why anyone who could not afford to buy a book or a cup of coffee would venture inside.
Alending library provided the missing element.
Theycould open the library for the next two months until the emporium’s grand opening. He would know by then if her endeavor was worth continuing. “Let’s say I agree to your proposal for a probationary period. IfI decide it isn’t working, I expect you to remove your books without complaint.”
Leaningback, Darius scrutinized MissWeldon.
“Understood, but I think you will find the arrangement most beneficial. Even though a patron might consider the cost of a book too dear, they still might want to purchase a cup of coffee, tea, or a bookmark.”
She’dread his mind.
“Then we agree.” He extended his hand, and after a moment, MissWeldon shook it.
Shewrapped her slender fingers around Darius’s, and a jolt traveled up his arm and across his chest before spreading heat throughout his body.
Howperplexing.
Hehad kissed Eudora’s fingers, grasped their delicate length in his, and even spanned the small of her back with his palm, and not so much as a frisson had twitched anywhere on his body.
“Will you draw up a contract, LordDarius?” MissWeldon lifted her cup, eyeing him over the rim.
“No. I believe your word is sufficient.”
Hermouth parted. “Oh. Yes, of course it is.”
Wouldher lips taste of coffee?
Theidea brought Darius’s errant thoughts, tumbling back to the present, and he abruptly sat up, uncrossing his leg and bumping the table.
Startled, MissWeldon jumped.
Whyin God’s holy name was he wondering about the taste of MissWeldon’s luscious rosebud lips?
“Yes. Well, I suppose I should go, my lord. When should I bring the books?”
“As soon as you’d like.” He would write to his parents tonight and ask them for contributions. “I shall have an area prepared for you. I can arrange for a crate for book returns as well.”
“Thank you, my lord.” She stood and drew on her gloves. “I promise, you shan’t regret your decision.”
Aslong as that obnoxious goose didn’t accompany her, Darius wouldn’t.
Atleast, he hoped he would not.
Therewas still the merest worry that a library within a bookshop would siphon the sales of his books. This venture wasn’t a hobby or a diversion. It was his livelihood now.
Whybuy books when one could borrow them for free?
Butthen again, besides the most popular works currently in demand, his store would offer the latest publications, magazines, periodicals, news sheets, and other books. Considering the nearest city lay three hours away by carriage, and his was the only bookshop in the vicinity, Darius hoped book lovers from neighboring towns and hamlets would also flock to his store to buy the latest editions from their favorite authors.
Mayhappatrons would borrow a book and then wish to purchase it or another by the same author.
Hesupposed he’d have to wait and see how things played out. Plus, he’d only committed to the library for a limited time.
Frombeneath half-closed eyes, he observed the whirlwind that was MissAramintaWeldon. He couldn’t help but appreciate her gumption and thoughtfulness.
Thoughher gown was tasteful and the color became her, even Darius, with the fashion sense of a blind goat, recognized the frock was several seasons out of date, and someone, probably MissWeldon, had let the hem down.
Andyet, her comportment and bearing wasn’t that of an impoverished wallflower. She exuded an inner confidence, possessed a keen wit, and displayed a strength of character rare in young women—particularly those not birthed into privilege. There was a great deal to admire about MissAramintaWeldon beyond her pretty face and gently rounded figure.
“The store opens in six weeks, but the grand event is two months away.” He walked her to the door. “You should try to attend as many of the functions during the grand opening week as possible, especially the finale. Bring your sisters and the reverend. I think they would enjoy themselves.”
Aflicker of uncertainty whisked across her face but was gone in the next blink of her expressive eyes. “I shall do my best, my lord. Papa often requires my assistance, and he’s not much on social gatherings that the church does not sponsor.”
Sheprobably had nothing appropriate to wear to a formal gathering.
Dariuslaid a hand on her forearm, and she raised a quizzical glance to his.
Greencollided with blue, and another scintillating undercurrent pulsed between them.
“My lord?”
“We’ll need to show solidarity to the townspeople, MissWeldon. Assure them we are not competing but cooperating for the good of all.”
“I never considered our arrangement anything else.” She slung the satchel over her shoulder. “I would suggest acquiring romantic novels. Though many people look down their noses at romantic stories, they are highly popular among women.”
“I’ll take your advice under consideration.” Annoyance battled with amusement until a wry smile ticked his mouth upward. “I suppose you would include MadameQuillheart in that list? PerhapsI’ll even ask her to attend the grand opening and read from one of her novels.”
MissWeldon arched a sage eyebrow, though she appeared to have paled the merest bit. “I’m sure she’s far too busy to attend a grand opening at a provincial bookstore.”
Provincial?
“Is that a challenge, MissWeldon?”
“You may consider it one, my lord. I doubt you could persuade her to venture to Woodhaven. The incentive would have to be considerable.” Then, with a sweep of her outdated skirts, she departed the bookshop with a duchess’s regal comportment.
Motherwould like her.
Sowould Althelia, his sister.
Hegripped his chin between his thumb and forefinger. Interesting how he already made that determination but still couldn’t be as certain about Eudora’s reception.
Thetruth was, he wasn’t all that certain about Eudora at all.
Handsplanted on his hips, Darius observed MissWeldon’s lithe form and the gentle sway of her hips until she rounded a corner.
“We’ll see about your MadamQuillheart, MissWeldon. I’ll wager she’ll not refuse an invitation from the Duke and Duchess of Latham.”
Withthat, he strode inside, straight to his desk.
Yes, sometimes having a duke for a father came in quite useful.